Race Summary

Sen. Saxby Chambliss, running for a second term, was unable to win 50% of the vote Nov. 4, forcing a runoff with Democratic challenger Jim Martin. Chambliss narrowly missed winning outright, taking 49.8% of the vote to Martin's 46.8%. For general election polling, click here.

Although Chambliss finished on top by 3 points, Martin shouldn't be counted out. The former state representative has already won a come-from-behind runoff this year.

After finishing second to DeKalb Co. CEO Vernon Jones in the July 15 Democratic primary, Martin delivered a crushing 20-point victory in the August 5 runoff. National Democrats favored Martin over Jones, who had a checkered past and was unlikely to receive any support from the top Democrat on the ticket, Barack Obama.

The vast voter registration drives of the Obama campaign helped Martin keep Chambliss from winning re-election on Election Day. It's unclear whether that turnout effort will translate in a December runoff. Obama has sent staffers to Georgia to help out and has also cut a radio ad for Martin in an effort to boost turnout once again. This will be Martin's fourth competitive election in the last five months.

Previous Election Results

Senate
2004: Isakson (R) 58, Majette (D) 40
2002: Chambliss (R) 53, Cleland (D) 46
2000 (sp.): Miller (D) 58, Mattingly (R) 38
1996: Cleland (D) 49, Millner (R) 48

President
2004: Bush (R) 58, Kerry (D) 41
2000: Bush (R) 55, Gore (D) 43
1996: Dole (R) 47, Clinton (D) 46

Demographics

Population (2007 est.): 9,544,750
Registered Voters: N/A  
Occupation: Blue Collar 26.5% | White Collar 59.5% | Gray Collar 14.0%
Race: White 62.6% | Black 28.5% | Hispanic 5.3% | Asian 2.1%